Emirates SkyCargo transports 50,000 doses of Sputnik V from Moscow to Colombo

As Sri Lanka began expanding its COVID-19 vaccination programme beyond the Western Province, Emirates SkyCargo supported the process by transporting a consignment of Sputnik V vaccines from Russia to Colombo.

Sri Lanka to open Airports tomorrow

Sri Lanka will allow passenger travel to its international airports from 1 June, State Minister of Aviation D. V. Chanaka announced a short while ago, however, visitors from Vietnam will not be allowed to disembark due to the identification of a new COVID-19 variant.

Global cold chain logistics market for pharma to grow by over US $ 9bn by 2024

The global cold chain logistics market for pharmaceuticals is expected to grow by US$ 9.48 billion during 2020-2024, revealed a report launched by Technavio today.

People’s Bank begins construction of its new Head Office building

Marking an important milestone of its 60 years’ history, People’s Bank began construction of its all-new Head Office building. The Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurated the construction by unveiling the ceremonial plaque digitally on the 28th of May 2021.

US$ 200mn ADB loan for rural road network upgrade

Sri Lanka’s rural road network will receive an upgrade in the coming months with the government having signed a US$ 200 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) earlier today.

BOI Chairman tells factory employees not to abuse travel passes

The government has issued passes to all the factories functioning in BOI Export Processing Zones and outside to facilitate the transport of employees between the places of residence and the workplace.

President assures adequate organic fertilizer for Maha seasons

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the relevant officials to take steps to provide organic fertilizer required for the ’Maha’ Season to farmers without any shortage, a statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

EU, WB support modernization of SL’s agri sector

The Ministry of Finance and the World Bank recently signed a new grant from the European Union to support the Agriculture Sector Modernization Project (ASMP). This grant is part of the EU’s EUR 25 million support to the US$ 125 million project and will be administered by the World Bank.

Petroleum testing lab to be set up at H’tota Port

A state-of-the-art petroleum testing laboratory will be made available at the Hambantota International Port (HIP), a facility that will be established in partnership with Intertek Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

EPF dept. makes arrangement to provide services remotely

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced that the Employee’s Provident Fund (EPF) Department has made arrangements to provide services remotely and regionally due to the imposed travel restrictions in the country.

Hemas welcomes MoH request seeking Pvt. sector assistance on vaccine procurement

Sole local representative for AstraZeneca and Pfizer in Sri Lanka, Hemas Pharmaceutical (Pvt) Ltd said it welcomes the request by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to the private sector to assist and facilitate vaccine purchase from any source. It affirmed all efforts will be taken to ensure importation of quality products via its channel into the country.

Stock market to operate as normal

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) says trading will function as per regular trading hours despite the countrywide mobility restrictions coming into place from tonight.

Zoom gears up to unveil all-in-one solution, ‘Zoom Events’ this summer

Zoom, a leading modern enterprise video communications service provider, announced it will launch this summer an all-in-one solution that would provide customers with the tools to create a wide range of engaging virtual experiences.

SL hopes to strengthen trade and investment ties within Asia

Sri Lanka hopes to strengthen bilateral relations with all countries, especially in the Asian region, with regard to trade and investment, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said.

UL enters into MoU with Boeing

National carrier SriLankan Airlines announced today that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US-based leading aerospace company Boeing.

No passenger disembarkation from 21 to 31 May

Sri Lanka will not permit disembarkation of passengers into the country for 10 days starting 21 March, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced a short while ago.

First inter-ministerial meeting for National Tourism Policy development held

Charting the way forward to establish a vibrant tourism industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka held its first inter-ministerial committee meeting for National Tourism Policy development today.

Penalties imposed on two financial institutions

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank announced it has imposed penalties on two financial institutions amounting to Rs.4.0 million during the first quarter for not complying with anti-money laundering laws.

Govt. steps up efforts to fast-track Digital Sri Lanka agenda

The government shared that it is looking to increase its efforts in fast tracking the Digital Sri Lanka agenda, and is currently in the midst of getting the relevant stakeholders on to one platform.

Facebook Journalism Project and Reuters launch digital journalism course in SL

The Facebook Journalism Project and Reuters have partnered to launch an online training program, Reuters Digital Journalism Course. The program aims to support journalists in nine countries across the Asia Pacific, including Sri Lanka, to build a strong foundation in digital reporting and editing.

e-survey to gain industry inputs for tourism policy formulation

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) together with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) launched an e-survey today to gain inputs from industry stakeholders for the formulation of the National Tourism Policy.

World Economic Forum cancels 2021 session due to Covid-19

The World Economic Forum (WEF), an international organisation for Public-Private cooperation, has announced its decision to cancel the 2021 annual meeting that was scheduled to be held in Singapore, due to the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic across the world.

Death due to long working hours on the rise: WHO, ILO study

The findings of a World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) study revealed that the number of deaths due to long working hours has increased significantly in the recent years and it is imperative for governments and employers to take proactive actions at the earliest to protect workers’ health.

Chinese Embassy urge JV entities to comply with SL trilingual rules

The Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, Colombo, has urged Chinese entities engaged in joint ventures in Sri Lanka to ensure that all project sites and buildings comply with the trilingual rules of the island nation.

14-day mandatory quarantine for tourists regardless of vaccination status

The local tourism sector will have to grapple with stronger health guidelines with immediate effect with the Ministry of Health (MoH) imposing tightened quarantine measures for all international travelers entering Sri Lanka.

Muthurajawela to be declared as Ramsar wetland

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to prepare a new master plan for the Muthurajawela wetland area and to consequently declare it as a Ramsar wetland of international importance.

NDB rights issue fully allocated, private placement for Rs.1.5bn expected

NDB’s recently concluded rights issue to raise Rs.8 billion in Tier I capital saw keen demand from investors with over 61 million rights changing hands prior to the last rights acceptance date.

EPF’s asset base grows in 2020; but returns to members slip

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Sri Lanka’s largest retirement savings fund, grew by 11.2 percent or Rs.283.9 billion in assets in 2020, albeit the returns afforded to the member accounts slipped amid the fast descent seen in the country’s interest rates.

Prime Lands Residencies IPO opens today

Prime Lands Residencies, the condominium property arm of Prime Group, opens its Initial Public Offering today.

Biz tycoon Harry J visits Colombo Port City

Leading businessman, Harry Jayawardena of Melstacorp, was recently hosted at the Port City Colombo project development site by Executive Project Management Director Raja Edirisuriya.